As an American coin collector, you will undoubtedly be familiar with the most prominent U.S. coins. But, if you’re looking to expand your collection, you may be asking yourself what your next investment step should be. Are any foreign coins valuable? After all, there are mints producing high-quality coinage around the world. Indeed, foreign coins can be worth investing in and we are here to help. In this article, we will discuss the most valuable foreign coins to add to your collection. Keep reading to learn:
- Why foreign coins are worth investing in.
- Which are the best coins from countries like Canada, Great Britain, Australia, Mexico, and more.
- Where to purchase foreign coins for your collection online.
To begin with, watch an expert’s opinion about which foreign coins are valuable and worth collecting:
Valuable foreign coins identification
Before we answer the question of what are the most valuable foreign coins, we should clarify that Bullion & Collectibles Exchange is an American company. This means that the coins referred to as ‘foreign’ in this article are the ones minted outside the US. If you are a non-American citizen looking for information on which foreign coins are valuable and interested in classic U.S. coins, we recommend this article instead.
Moving on, it is worth noting that there are many countries around the globe with a long history of producing coinage. While the U.S. mint is the world’s largest coin manufacturer, it is far from the only one. There are currently 70 government-owned mints operating throughout the world, as well as 40 privately owned ones. Many of them produce highly sought after foreign coins that are valuable. Any coin collector worth their salt should, at the very least, be aware of the following notable foreign coin producers:
- The Royal Mint: The Royal Mint is the United Kingdom’s official maker of coins. It is the country’s oldest company, in operation since 886 AD. Since then, it has built a solid reputation as producing some of the best quality valuable foreign coins in circulation with a fineness above 999.
- South African Mint: Owned by the South African Reserve Bank, the South African Mint produces all circulating coins for the country of South Africa. However, it also manufactures coins for other countries, such as Zimbabwe and Sudan.
- Royal Canadian Mint: The Royal Canadian Mint produces some of the most valuable foreign coins to look for. This is because it is known for making coins with high levels of purity. The Royal Canadian Mint makes circulation coins for Canada, as well as coins on behalf of other countries including Thailand, Iceland and others.
- Mexican Mint: The Mexican Mint, also known as La Casa de Moneda de México, was founded by the Spanish Crown in the 15th century. As it was the first mint in the western hemisphere, coins produced by it can be very desirable.
- The Perth Mint: The Perth Mint was originally a colonial branch of the U.K. Royal Mint. It was created for the purpose of refining gold from the Australian gold rushes for Great Britain. Currently, the Perth Mint is independent, owned by the Government of Western Australia. It has come to be known for producing some very valuable foreign coins worth money.
- Royal Australian Mint: The Royal Australian Mint (better known as the Perth Mint) is the first purely Australian mint and is the sole producer of the country’s circulating coins. However, it is also charged with making coins for other countries like New Zealand, Fiji and others.
- South Korean Mint: As a state-owned corporation established in 1951, the South Korean Mint is responsible for minting the country’s coins. Since its inception, it has become well-known for producing some very unique, coveted coinage.
While the above list features some of the most important foreign coin producers in the world, it is far from comprehensive. Collectors who want to expand their horizons and coin collections should always do research and try to stay up-to-date with the top ten most valuable foreign coins lists. That is the best way to ensure you acquire some great coins that you can profit from!
Valuable foreign coins list
Without further ado, let’s explore some of the most wanted, most valuable foreign coins and their characteristics (to learn about common coin terms like ‘assay’ and more, click here. You will be able to find all of these foreign ‘gems’ on Bullion & Collectibles Exchange!
The most valuable foreign coins from Canada
Coins from Canada make for some of the best and most accessible foreign coins to add to your collection. Some examples include:
- Country of origin: Canada
- Metal: Gold
- Fineness: .9999
- Year: 2022
- What makes the coin special: A must-have for any collector, the Maple Leaf is an annually issued gold coin that is one of the most recognized ones in the world.
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- Country of origin: Canada
- Metal: Silver
- Fineness: .9999
- Year: 2014
- What makes the coin special: This silver coin’s distinctive weight and creative design makes it highly desirable.
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- Country of origin: Canada
- Metal: Platinum
- Fineness: .9995
- Year: Varies
- What makes the coin special: Boasting a classic design and made from a precious metal that is much rarer than gold and silver, this coin is a winner with collectors.
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Browse through more Canadian coins right here.
Valuable foreign coins worth money minted in Great Britain
Coins minted in Great Britain are prestigious and a collector’s must-have. These are some of them:
- Country of origin: Great Britain
- Metal: Gold
- Fineness: .9999
- Year: 2023
- What makes the coin special: An iconic coin with a traditional design, this is a gold coin that should not be missing from any serious investor’s collection.
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- Country of origin: Great Britain
- Metal: Silver
- Fineness: .9999
- Year: 2023
- What makes the coin special: This coin is significant historically, as it is possibly the last of its kind to feature Queen Elizabeth II (before the design is replaced with a depiction of King Charles III).
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1 oz. Platinum Tudor Beast Lion of England
- Country of origin: Great Britain
- Metal: Platinum
- Fineness: .9995
- Year: 2022
- What makes the coin special: As part of a very successful series of coins by the Royal Mint, this coin makes for a great starting point for a Queen's Beasts collection.
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To have a look through more British coins, go here and here.
Collectable foreign coins from Australia
Whether you choose coins made by the Perth Mint or the Royal Australian Mint, there is no denying the land down under offers some of the best answers to the question what foreign coins are valuable. Here are some of them:
- Country of origin: Australia
- Metal: Gold
- Fineness: .9999
- Year: 2022
- What makes the coin special: As one of the most recognizable gold coins in the world, this is a must-have for any investor’s collection.
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- Country of origin: Australia
- Metal: Silver
- Fineness: .9999
- Year: 2020
- What makes the coin special: It is a hard-to-find, single-year issue coin in a very distinctive size and with a spectacular design. What’s not to love?
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- Country of origin: Australia
- Metal: Platinum
- Fineness: .9995
- Year: Varies
- What makes the coin special: Made by the Perth Mint, which is famous for its high-quality bullion, this is one of the most highly sought-after platinum coins globally.
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For more Australian coins, head to this page.
Foreign coins worth money minted in Palau
To dismiss the little known Republic of Palau when it comes to coins would be a huge mistake. The country is renowned for its cool and particularly rare valuable foreign coins (if cool, rare coins are your thing by the way, be sure to also check out this article)! Some notable examples minted in Palau include the following:
5 oz. Gold Tiffany Art Notre Dame
- Country of origin: Republic of Palau
- Metal: Gold
- Fineness: .999
- Year: 2021
- What makes the coin special: A limited mintage coin with a beautiful design of the Notre Dame, this coin is like gold dust (no pun intended!) for those in the know.
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